Smoky Mountains

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“The whole trip was a ‘Hi Lite!’ 

Wonderfully planned & guided. BEST EVER!” 

Marlys, Waite Park (Smoky Mountains Traveler) 

Day 1 – Home to LeRoy, IL 

Welcome aboard! Today we’ll travel to LeRoy, IL for an overnight stay. Lunch is served along the way before continuing on to our hotel. Enjoy an evening at your leisure tonight. 

Included Meals: Lunch 

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

Day 2 – LeRoy to Nashville, TN 

View fall colors as we make our way into Tennessee to Nashville for our overnight. We’ll check into our hotel & enjoy the “Kickback” before attending the fabulous Grand Ole Opry. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Manager’s Reception 

Hotel: Drury Plaza 

Day 3 – Nashville to Pigeon Forge 

First on the itinerary today is a tour of Nashville. A step-on guide will join us to see historic downtown Nashville, Music Row, Centennial Park and much, much more before we head for Pigeon Forge! The scenery is great as we travel to Pigeon Forge, a quaint little city nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Dinner is served at the charming Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. After dinner we will attend one of the hottest shows playing in Pigeon Forge, “Country Tonite.” 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Music Road Resort Inn (2 Nights) 

Day 4 – Pigeon Forge 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Later, visit Dollywood, the greatest variety of wholesome entertainment in the Smokies! Choose from 40 live shows, 50 craft showcase displays, Dollywood Boulevard, eight acres of movie memories and more. Dollywood will lift your spirits and leave you with special memories. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Day 5 – Pigeon Forge to Asheville Area 

Take a scenic tram ride up America’s largest aerial tramway. The breathtaking panorama of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains is inspiring. An added treat this year is to explore the Smoky Mountains via the Roaring Forks Smoky Mountains Pink Jeep Tour! The heavily forested nature trail is one lane, so we’ll take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Smoky Mountains from areas no motorcoach can even go! Expert guides will narrate as we go, for an experience unlike any other in the Great Smoky Mountains. From there we’ll begin our journey to our hotel is, just outside of Asheville, where we’ll spend two relaxing nights. Dinner is at a local, elegant favorite restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites (2 Nights) 

Day 6 – Asheville Area 

Today you will cross the threshold into a world of hospitality, beauty, and luxury that has remained unchanged for more than a century. The Biltmore Estate, home of George Washington Vanderbilt, is a testament to the uncompromising ideals of an exceptional man. Stroll the immaculate gardens and enjoy a delicious lunch at the estate’s Deer Park Restaurant, offering a wonderful atmosphere. Later wind along Hickory Nut Gorge, a scenic canyon drive as we motor through colorful mountains to Chimney Rock Park, with its towering granite monolith that affords breathtaking 75-mile views. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 7 – Asheville Area to Frankfort, KY 

We make our way to Berea today for lunch at Boone Tavern. It is here that the famous Berea College is located. This afternoon you are guests at the Old Friends Living History Farm where they provide a safe haven & permanent retirement to Thoroughbreds whose racing & breeding careers have come to an end. Arrive at your hotel for a restful evening and choose from a variety of restaurants tonight. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Hotel: Hampton Inn 

Day 8 – Frankfort to Bloomington, IL 

This morning stop at Churchill Downs in Louisville, home of the world’s most famous horse race, for a guided tour of the racetrack. We’ll also explore their interesting Museum and view a movie in their 360˚ movie room, plus experience the fun gift shop! New this year is the opportunity to create Lucky Shoes. Some folks have four lead clovers or rabbits feet as a lucky charm. At Churchill Downs, the horseshoe is thought to bring good luck and protection. We’ll decorate our own lucky horseshoe to take home! Then we’ll grab a boxed lunch before we head towards home with a stop for night in Bloomington, IL. Enjoy a farewell dinner at Baxter’s American Grille. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Boxed Lunch, Dinner 

Hotel: Holiday Inn & Suites

Day 9 – Bloomington to Home 

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we make our final stretch for home. Enjoy lunch on your own along the way. Arrive home late afternoon or early evening. 

Included Meals: Breakfast